Mandatory speech class by Tatum

Mandatory speech class by Tatum - January 2023 Scholarship Essay

Tatum Pafford
01/11/2023
Speech Class

No matter who you are or what you do, you're eventually going to need to talk to
another person. Speech isn’t just for people who do ted talks or give presentations, it’s an essential skill you will need throughout all aspects of your life. I never knew how bad my speech was until I took a speech class in high school. I thought I was even a little bit better than most people, but in reality I didn’t know what I was doing wrong. Not making eye contact, not using hand gestures, and using filler words like “um”, are just a few common mistakes. They may seem like small mistakes, however people will make snap decisions about who they think you are in just a few seconds. So things like body language and eye contact are essential in making a good first impression.

Why is it so important to make a good impression? Meeting others and simply talking to them, is a great way to network. Networking is engaging in conversation to get social and professional contacts, you can meet the right person who can elevate you or your career. So you need to make sure you're always speaking in a professional and confident manner even if you’re just engaging in small talk with a stranger. But it’s more than just networking, you need to make that good first impression in job interviews, school, or even meeting that special someone. Although talking to others one on one is important, it's not the only circumstance in which you’ll need good speech skills. Many jobs require you to speak to small groups, like if you were to lead a team or give a presentation. Which is why it’s so crucial you're prepared for any situation.

You can definitely learn these skills on your own, but learning in a class takes the pressure and difficulty out of it. You’re in a safe environment learning with peers who are doing the same. You are able to receive constructive criticism from your teacher and use them to be a better speaker. You can learn technique, build confidence, and overall feel better about yourself and your speaking skills. And the more speeches you give, the better speaker you will become.